The digital heroes successfully bridging the digital divide

PCrefurb, a charity dedicated to tackling digital exclusion across Derbyshire and Tameside, have celebrated another year of life-changing work at its Autumn Review.

The organisation refurbishes donated laptops and tablets, provides data connectivity, and delivers person-centred digital skills training. Together, these three pillars - equipment, skills, and connectivity - give people the tools and confidence to fully participate in the digital world. Much of this work is carried out by a committed team of staff and around 30 volunteers who refurbish devices, deliver training, drive equipment across the region, and support the charity’s day-to-day operations. Many volunteers face their own personal challenges, yet give their time wholeheartedly to help others.  

The evening began with Chief Officer Helen Melhuish paying a heartfelt tribute to founding trustee Tony Shelton, who passed away in October at the age of 83. “He was passionate about social justice” Helen said. “We were so fortunate to know him and benefit from his experience.”  

Helen then introduced the annual review, explaining how PCrefurb works with hundreds of partner organisations to reach those who need digital support the most. “What we do is simple in principle but huge in impact,” she said. “We’re here to give people the tools and confidence to participate in a world that so often assumes everyone can manage digital tasks. Many simply can’t, for financial reasons, age, or other challenges, and we help them overcome that.”  

(Photo: Chief Officer Helen Melhuish)

She highlighted their work with Rural Action Derbyshire, which has allowed PCrefurb to distribute refurbished devices across the county. Over in Tameside, the Access Digital project supports people affected by the cost-of-living crisis, helping them gain the essential digital skills needed to communicate, apply for jobs and access services confidently. Training takes place in community venues where people feel safe, supported and welcome.  

PCrefurb’s Digital Link Project, has been especially impactful for those facing crisis. Sam Hardy, the project lead, spoke passionately about the work. “We focus on organisations that are already helping people in crisis,” he explained. “Our role is to make sure both the staff and the people they support have the digital skills, devices and connectivity they need.”  

Sam shared a powerful insight into his work with the British Red Cross in Ashton, helping asylum seekers and immigrants. He acknowledged the sensitivity and controversy surrounding the issue in the UK, explaining that many of the people they support are fleeing real danger yet often face hostility once here.   

He shared the moving story of a journalist from Iran who arrived in the UK fleeing danger, only to tragically lose his wife and daughter during the journey. “It’s difficult work and emotionally challenging, but it’s a privilege to help people like him,” Sam said. “Every device, every session, every moment of guidance can change a life.”  

(Photo: Project Lead Sam Hardy)

This year, 653 pieces of equipment were donated to the charity - a record number - and demand for the service rose, with 90 more requests than the previous year. Some requests were for entire IT suites for community groups. Over the past five years, PCrefurb has refurbished 655 laptops for Derbyshire County Council, benefiting around 1000 people. This year, they supported 33 community groups,  and have delivered 1874 digital skills sessions, either one-to-one or at groups held weekly across 16 community venues. 225 people were formally referred, with many more attending open drop-in sessions.  

Helen took time to acknowledge the charity’s wonderful funders, with special thanks to Operations Manager Julia Norton, who writes the applications that keep vital projects running. PCrefurb also receives generous equipment donations, from organsiations such as Inology and Sedexo. Helen thanked Brett from Inology, who despite being incredibly busy, acts as PCrefurb’s Business Ambassador, regularly speaking to businesses on their behalf. She also expressed gratitude to their Trustees, who undertake the often-unseen work and thanked the staff and volunteers who “work so hard day in, day out.”  

Funding from Foundation Derbyshire has enabled the charity to create a new promotional video, helping them clearly communicate who they are and what they do. They worked with local videographer Carys Kaiser to produce the film, which can be viewed at www.pcrefurb.org.uk  

Cllr Ollie Cross, a trustee for more than four years, attended the evening and reflected on the charity’s work: “I’m absolutely thrilled with what PCrefurb has achieved. This charity is genuinely unique in what it offers. Digital poverty and inequality remain major challenges, especially when accessing benefits or NHS services. Helen and Julia lead the team brilliantly, and it’s a joy to see what they’ve accomplished together.”  

Helen also reflected on the privilege of working with the team. “I feel truly fortunate to work with these people,” she said. “They make a real difference in people’s lives. So often, society assumes everyone can do things digitally - apply for jobs, manage finances, access healthcare - but there’s a large section that simply cannot. Being able to help these people is a privilege I don’t take lightly.”  

Chair Jon Spriggs spoke about his decision to join the charity. “I’d known about PCrefurb’s mission for a while and have always believed in bringing knowledge to people,” he said. “I jumped at the chance to become chair. With my technical background, I can support the charity across the board and reassure the leaders in their work. PCrefurb is a necessity in our community. Helen, Julia, and the team are fantastic. Hearing some of the stories from the people we help fills me with such pride.” 

Technical lead Jamie Abbott shared how nights like this help him see the bigger picture. “I’m often working alone in an office surrounded by the equipment I’m refurbishing, so being here and hearing the stories really makes me realise the huge difference we make in people’s lives,” he said.  

Operations manager Julia Norton spoke about the shared motivation that drives the team. “Working in the charity sector, you meet so many people with incredible passion and integrity. They’re not rewarded with money or praise - they do it because they care,” she said. “There’s satisfaction in knowing you’ve supported someone and changed their life. Seeing everyone together tonight, knowing we all share that same purpose, is truly overwhelming. It reminds me why this work matters so much.”  

The evening ended with the presentation of the first Owen Dack Memorial Award, created to honour the charity’s founder who passed away in 2024. The award celebrates someone whose dedication embodies the spirit of PCrefurb. The inaugural recipient was Shaun Hammond, recognised for his steadfast commitment to the charity, having participated as a refurbisher, driver, Digital Champion and a support for new volunteers.  

Helen described him as “a quiet constant. A steadfast supporter and hard worker from day one, always ready to learn new things and support others. He is the epitome of what our charity is: quietly supporting people in need through collective effort.”   

Shaun accepted the award with humility, telling us. ‘I’m a little embarrassed - I feel like I’m only a small cog in this. PCrefurb gives me purpose. It gets me out of the house, keeps me grounded, and allows me to meet so many wonderful people. I look forward to every session. Long may it continue.”  

(Photo: Chair Jon Spriggs with award winner Shaun Hammond and Chief Officer Helen Melhuish)

The night reflected everything PCrefurb stands for: community, compassion and a shared belief that everyone deserves the chance to participate in the digital world.  

PCrefurb is currently seeking new trustees to join the board, as well as a large storage space to house equipment donations. The charity also welcomes donations of laptops, tablets (no desktop PCs or printers), and cables. Financial contributions are also gratefully received, helping to sustain and expand the vital work of the charity.  

For donations, to become a volunteer or to join as a trustee, visit www.pcrefurb.org.uk